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‘She ran into the church and a couple of people tried to run down the road and catch them. They were seen making their getaway over the A63 bridge.

‘It was reported to the police. There was a handbag in there, cash and all the church keys so we are going to have to change the locks.’

Shaken up: Rev Wilson had got into her car after the service and turned on the engine when the teenagers appeared ‘from nowhere’

He continued: ‘Irene was very distressed. She is beautiful inside and out. Her whole life is about helping other people. For this to happen to someone like her just even sadder.’

Rev Woodcock said the police had called in the force helicopter to search for the boys, adding: ‘The police helicopter was scrambled. Hopefully these lads will be brought to justice.

'Apparently the police spotted them from the helicopter not with the car and I think they are trying to locate where they are. We would love it if someone could hand her things back to her.’

He said the robbery was an isolated incident, adding: ‘This is the first thing of its kind at Holy Trinity. It is a safe place. We have all been praying for Irene. We prayed these lads will see the light of day and take responsibility.’

A police spokesman said: ‘Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of robbery following an incident outside a Hull church today.

‘Officers were called at shortly after 1.30pm today (Sunday), following reports of the suspected robbery of a grey Skoda Fabia, close to the Holy Trinity Church.

‘Officers - including the force helicopter - were involved in an extensive search of the area, resulting in the arrest of a 13-year-old and 16-year-old a short time later.'